Buckeye Reporter

Ohio State Attorney General Dave Yost has announced that his office is currently investigating instances of human and drug trafficking throughout the state. Yost has consistently expressed his commitment to dismantling all organizations involved in trafficking, irrespective of whether they are local or out-of-state groups.

"The Ohio Attorney General's Office is actively engaged in investigations of human trafficking and drug trafficking through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC)," Yost said.

According to FBI Cleveland, trafficking remains a persistent issue in Ohio. Earlier this year, a task force seized 36 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and other drugs in Painesville and Cleveland. The total seizure, when combined with earlier findings, amounted to 40 kilograms. The report indicated that this quantity is valued at $5,200,000 and could potentially kill 20 million people. Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen from FBI Cleveland underscored the significant drug recovery, reiterating the agency's dedication to fighting drug trafficking networks. A collaborative effort from federal, state, and local agencies linked the drug trafficking network to a group based in Mexico.

Yost told the Buckeye Reporter that his office is actively engaged in tracking illegal trafficking groups, primarily through the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC). The OOCIC comprises seven human trafficking task forces and eight major drug interdiction task forces spanning local, state, and federal law enforcement. Yost stated that both divisions within the attorney general's office provide critical technology and resources to support local law enforcement agencies in their battle against illicit activity.

A press release from Yost's office revealed that the OOCIC announced that these task forces confiscated over $63 million worth of illegal drugs in 2023. They also seized 400 firearms and over $5.4 million in currency. Under Yost's leadership, OOCIC task forces have seized more than 1,774 firearms, over $61 million in currency, and narcotics valued at over $304 million.

Yost’s anti-trafficking efforts were evident in October 2023 with "Operation Buyer’s Remorse," a project aimed at apprehending individuals attempting to purchase sex and identifying victims of human trafficking. According to the press release, the operation resulted in 160 arrests. "Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies and service organizations participated in this operation – I am grateful for each and every partner who dedicated their time and resources, as we all play a key role in the fight against human trafficking," Yost said. "Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!"

According to his website, Yost was re-elected in November 2022 as Ohio’s 51st attorney general, securing more votes than any other attorney general in the state's history. He served as Ohio’s auditor of state from 2011-2018 before beginning his first term as attorney general in 2019.